Rahul Gandhi challenges Assam CM, says not afraid of police case

"The Assam CM may register an FIR against me, but I'm not afraid of the Assam CM," Gandhi said addressing a public meeting in North Barpeta as part of his Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra, a day after the state police filed a case against him on various charges including rioting, criminal conspiracy, wanton acts of violence and damaging public property.

Gandhi said he had a shelter at the house of every Indian family.

Slamming Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Home Minister Amit Shah, and the Assam Chief Minister, Gandhi said: "The politics of hate is prevalent in the country. This reflects the ideology of BJP and RSS."

"We have brought the message of love in the market of hatred," he said.

He claimed that Sarma, who is constantly spreading hatred, has allegedly amassed all the wealth of Assam by instilling fear in the people.

Referring to Sarma as the "most corrupt" CM in the country, he asserted that a leader who governs Assam through intimidation holds no significance in Delhi.

He said: "Sarma follows whatever Amit Shah states. No criticism is tolerated against Amit Shah. Consequently, the concerns of the people of Assam hold no significance under such leadership."

The Congress workers took Gandhi in a large procession from Amolapatty in Barpeta town to the meeting venue in North Barpeta. From there, he proceeded to Abhayapuri, accompanied by Congress MP Gaurav Gogoi, Leader of Opposition in the Assam Assembly Debabrata Saikia, and CPI (M) MLA Manoranjan Talukdar.

This comes after Himanta Biswa Sarma Tuesday instructed the DG of Assam Police to register a case against Rahul Gandhi for his "unruly behaviour" and attempt to "provoke the crowd" during his Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra in Guwahati.

"These are not part of Assamese culture. We are a peaceful state. Such “naxalite tactics” are completely alien to our culture," he posted on X (formerly Twitter).

"I have instructed DG Assam Police to register a case against your leader Rahul Gandhi for provoking the crowd & use the footage you have posted on your handles as the evidence. Your unruly behaviour and violation of agreed guidelines have resulted in a massive traffic jam in Guwahati now," he said, responding to a post on X by Youth Congress president Srinivas B V.

[With UNi inputs]